The First Five

I might just be able to call myself a runner soon…July 4^th was a day of fireworks and firsts.  Officially I can say I ran for five minutes straight for the first time without stopping to walk on the first attempt I was impressed with that I think it was amazing.  After the 3 minute walking interval I was able to run another 5…ok I confess I had to walk for about 30 seconds in the middle of this but I’m getting there.  It was tough to get up and go especially with inlaws at our house and my wife still sleeping, but I got up and went out. 

The question becomes what is next???  I know the next couple of workouts but after that I’m not sure where to go next.  Looks like some more exploring to figure it out. 

15:40:45 64.52 Miles so far...many, many to go...

The Big 5-0

This past Saturday I officially finished my first 50 miles.  I can't believe I accomplished that I am just amazed at my progress from starting to now and my journey has been tiring, sweaty, sore, and emotional.  As I started the run I decided to not go to my usual run around the neighborhood but rather to the first place where I recorded a run.  You see when I started I was only going to go out in an area where nobody could see me after all what would people think a 300+ pound guy running?  Really who are we kidding.  When I started I could hardly run for a minute without slowing way down to a slow walking pace when done.  Crazy to think how not too long ago that was.  Now this morning I completed my fastest paced two mile workout 13:38 pace for two miles I was proud and I can't wait to get out tomorrow morning to see if I can beat that time. 

I also have to report (since I've snuck it in a couple of times) that I have an injury that is going to result in surgery.  I just hope that it doesn't sideline me for more than 2 or 3 days.  I have a TFCC tear in my left wrist that is the result of my ulna bone being too long.  The doctor is going to go in and shorten my ulna and then fix the TFCC.  This is just an arm issue so it shouldn't slow me too much I to anticipate that the added weight from the cast to be an initial hurdle that I am will just have to jump over or...if I can't make the jump run through. 

Today 2.02 miles  27:38 517 calories
Total 52.79 miles 12:54:36

Saturday Success and the 3 Minute Zone

This past weekend I ventured back home to visit the family in central Wisconsin.  I was able to get up on Saturday morning and complete my furthest run yet which was a great success.  Overall I went 4.21 miles in 55:33.  I was proud of the distance and a little disappointed in the time.  I realized that when you are running on a gravel road in the country at times the footing isn't all that desired, it is much harder to climb hills, but afterwords it is less painful.  Since we were back home with my wife and her mom I also went on a couple of 2-3 mile walks one later in the day on Saturday and one on Sunday before coming back to Sheboygan.  I failed to get up and go out on Sunday morning and as I sit here on Wednesday I really regret it, I'm not going to sit here and list the excuses as they really aren't all that good I just should have went out. 

Monday was a walking day 1.74 miles in 25:15.
Tuesday I was really stiff and sore so I didn't go out.

Today (Wednesday) is supposed to be an off day, but I went out, after all I did slack yesterday.  Even after I didn't get to bed until almost 1 a.m. I got to see a great baseball game then drive home in heavy rain which delayed the bedtime. 

I think I've had a mental block getting past the 2 minute running zone.  Its been tough at times just getting a good two minutes in but I eventually got there.  Today was the first round of three minute running zones.  I did good overall the third zone was a little tough but I made it most of the way through on the third run.  If I had to guess I would say I was 90% in the correct zone during the runs which I think was a great start to the three minute zone.  Not sore yet, but that ususally takes a little bit to set in.  Busy day at work today and back at it in the morning!

Stats: 2.04 Miles 28:11 522 calories
All time 44.77 miles 11:01:22

Am I up for the test this weekend???

As I sit on Friday after a nice morning workout I sit and wonder about the weekend to come.  If you recall I am heading to the in laws this weekend so it will be my first weekend away from the comfort and friendliness of my home running routes.  I hope I can keep up the motivation and the courage to get up and going in a different area.  It will also be the first time that I'll be running on gravel roads rather than sidewalks or cement.  I hope to post a successful weekend on combined Saturday and Sunday runs of 6.5 miles plus I hope to bump up my morning runs to more distance.  (Next week I should break the 50 mile mark any ideas on how to celebrate?)

Today was a nice run I was a little stiff so I hope tomorrow is ok.  I've been really stressed at work and with my arm problem but I was able to gain a small distance today.  Stats below hope to post some success on Monday!!!  I was able to achieve a better percentage on my workout compared to yesterday I really focused on completing the 4 two minute zones and not drop off too much after each zone in the one minute run.  After looking at the charts I have been running at a higher green level and almost in the yellow.  My stamina has been improving and I can't wait to get this going and being able to run further, faster, longer.

Today 24:48 1.77 miles 455 Calories
Total 9:12:23 36.78 Miles 9104 Calories

Rain Makes it Wet...

This morning was my first run post rain...it was interesting to say the least. 

I started out dodging the puddles, I was unsure if I wanted to have wet feet and I was a little cold to start, but that wore off.  After coming up on an area where the sidewalk was covered for a good 5 feet it was either go around, through, or jump...I went through.  The splash was a little refreshing and I didn't think it was as bad as I thought it would be.  A couple of blocks later I ran past a dog so I needed to splash down again.  Who knew running was so much fun.  I even saw a person I saw a couple of weeks ago on my cool down who stopped me and said I've seen you out quite a few times and I just want to say if you ever need any motivation I'll be around stop me on my run and we can go together. 

However I really didn't want to get up and get going this morning.  I needed a little extra motivation and I've found a great way to keep that going I just sit back and remember some of the people in my life.  I really don't know why I've started running other than I have an issue with my arm, (more later I have an MRI on Tuesday next week with a follow up on the next Monday) and every time I start working out with weights and everything I have a set back and need to stop I guess I figure I can always just go out and run. 

Since I'm not the smallest guy I've always got to hear some of the comments I bet all the rounder people get to hear.  One guy at my old workplace always sticks out.  I'm always up for a little ribbing here and there, but as my superior I think he had pushed it a little far quite often.  So often as a matter of fact that other people asked if it bothered me which was nice.  I can't wait to see the look on his face when I send him a picture of me completing my half marathon, that might take a little work to get to but I'll get there and show him.  I used some of the comments he said to get my shoes on and hit the sidewalks of Sheboygan.

Today 24:31 - 1.70 Miles - 439 Calories

New Shoes...and a little run

Went out today and decided to mix up the route a bit.  The results were ok I am thinking my shin pain issue is resulting from landing flat footed when I ran so I focused a lot on landing heel to toe and I am almost pain free.  It was a good run but I was a little disappointed on my pace however it is getting there.

I've included a picture of my new shoes I do love them and I can't believe how super light they are. 

This running has gotten a lot of thoughts running through my head as to why I let myself get this big, why do I eat the way I do, why, why, why.......  The answers seem to be coming just slowly.  I find myself enjoying this journey more and more every day and I have also decided that I'm going out daily now rather than 4 times a week.

Today 23:24 1.70 miles 436 calories 13:46 Pace
Thus far 8:23:04 33.31 miles 8210 calories

The Unofficial 5k

I was out an running on Sunday morning…the sun was shining and it was warm…well no it wasn’t but I was after about 5 minutes in  (that is what happens when you are a big guy.)  Anyhow I did manage to get my new shoes I found a pair of used Nike Lunarlites and I love them.  The first day I got blisters on my little toes, but that was my mistake not the shoes, I had tied the laces too tight, no problems since then. 

Anyhow I’ve been becoming more comfortable in my just going and running but Sunday I only saw a couple of people I was up and going at 6 a.m.  I was determined to make it a nice long workout, I had in my mind an Unofficial 5k Challenge. 

I ended up with 51:52, 3.72 miles and 955 calories.  My pace was 13:57 not bad considering the distance….Not only did I set bests on my miles, time, and calories, the only reason I turned to head home was the pollen level was getting to me and I needed to get some water.  Well that and I had a couple of things that needed to get done at home before I headed to Milwaukee to see the Brewers. 

The schedule continued this morning, I was planning a longer route but when I woke up I was STIFF and my shins were very sore.  Luckily enough for me the schedule was a blue only route with no green zones.  Tomorrow will be a tough one but hopefully I can make it through I’m still battling through the green areas for a length of time but I am getting stronger and better at it.  Hoping to find a way to keep up the “running” as it is still fun and heck it is going on about a month or so.  I’ve decided I’m going to get out every day as long as my legs let me.  My first hurdle lies ahead this weekend.  I am visiting the in-laws in central WI and I’m intrigued at how they will respond as I wake up and just get going real early.  My weekend routes have been the longest and with going home to gravel roads I have a feeling that I can up the distance and time this weekend as well I hope to give good results when I get back. 

The side result of this unofficial challenge is now I have a benchmark to compete against each week.  I hope to beat that time and distance in two weekends on the same route so it is a fair comparison of my progress. I do know one thing I will need to get a water bottle that will be easy to carry if I am going to go further I got pretty thirsty on the way...

Until next time Happy Running!