Tuesday 3-3-09

Once again I find myself trying to play catch up with my blogging. I need to stay current with this thing. I have started posting on Twitter. I guess it is kind of "nerdy" but it is a quick way to stay connected with those in your social network.

I had a good run this morning. Started out for a regular 4-5 miler but felt so good, i just kept on. I ended up running over the Chattahoochee River to Alabama and back, 8.5 miles. I felt a little like Forrest Gump as he made his way across Greenbow County on his way across the country; well maybe not that extreme. It does help pass the time to occupy my mind with thoughts like that.

My right heel is still a little sore but the pain is nothing like it was before the heel lifts and new shoes.

Christmas Day 2008

Merry Christmas! I just looked back and realized it has been JULY since I last posted. What kind of testament is that? This year has absolutely disappeared and now I find myself sitting here at the end of it wondering wher.e it went. The last time I posted, I was beginning a marathon training program in the heat of the summer. Now I can report after struggling through a three mile run this morning I did not continue that training having abandoned it later in July.

I continue my studies at the University of Alabama as I near the half-way point of the Masters program. Taking these classes has occupied much of my time outside of work and I have used this as an excuse to put my marathon training on hold. I plan on focusing more on running this next year as my weight and mid-section have grown to a point that warrants a change. Getting out and running when it is cold and wet is hard to do. I have just got to take it a day at a time.

Thursday 7-10-08

Up at 4:00 this AM to get my day started. Didn't have much luck as I drug around until about 5:30 when I finally got out the door for my Thursday run. I am now on week four of my marathon training schedule and it feels like I am not making much progress. I can remember last year getting ready for the Huntsville marathon and sweating through the summer months thinking I would never make it through to the race. Now, I am in the same boat thinking I will never get back in shape. Why is it that it takes months to get in shape and only weeks to get out of shape?

I managed to complete 5.6 miles in 53 minutes for a pitiful 9:30 pace. This was supposed to be a tempo run where I run at a faster pace. I barely was able to finish much less do it at a faster pace. I think the heavy pasta I ate last night may have had something to do with my sluggishness. i have got to get my diet in check and lose some weight. Trying to run these progressively longer runs carrying around 205 pounds is a challenge.

Wednesday 6-11-08

Out this morning for a 3.3 mile run. I felt better today. Weather was cooler, dryer. It was a good run in all.

Tuesday 6-10-08

I think it is pretty pitiful to see a blog that is inactive. I know mine has looked that way the past couple of months and I need to change that. I began last week on a training program for my next marathon. I expect to train for at least 16 weeks, maybe longer, with the goal of besting my time in the Huntsville marathon in December. The big difference in my training this time will be that I am going to incorporate more speed work in with the distance.

I ran 4.1 miles at 5:30 this morning. Temperature is pretty brutal as the whole country is locked in a heat wave of sorts.

I am still feeling pain in my side identical to what I felt all last year during my training. I am planning on having something done about it this time. I go see the surgeon next week for the prescribed plan for taking care of it.

Friday 5-2-08

Up early this AM and wanted really badly just to sleep in. But, I managed to drag myself out to swimming practice. man, what a tough session! We did shorter distance sprints with very little rest in between. Something on the order of (1) 200 yard, 20 seconds rest, (2) 175 yards, 20 sec. (3) 150 yards, 20 sec, (4) 125 yards. (5) 100 yards, (3) 75 yards. Cool down. In all we did over 2100 yards. That is pretty good considering the speed we were swimming. Of course, the fast swimmers went further but for me, this was a great feat. Now if I can just get back into the running mode I will feel better about getting ready for some triathlons this summer.

Wednesday 4-16-08

The second Masters' swimming class has begun and today was another interesting workout. It seems when I can do no more the coach wrings out a little more. I know I have come a long way since the beginning of these classes in January but there is no letting up. I guess it is a good thing, because I have been on a three month sabbatical from running and this swimming is the only thing keeping my gut in check. I just love to eat. My weight is still hovering around 195-200. I know the only way it is going to drop is to get serious about running again and with my school schedule I am limited on my free time. Oh, yeah, and there is work, as well. I am wanting to start getting in shape for a few summer triathlons so I have got to get some running and biking in.