Day 365, 0 To Go

December 31, 2013

Happy New Year!!  Yay!  I'm finished!  365 days of running in 2013!  365 days of writing blogs!  365 days of running through rain, snow, sleet and hail!  Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration since it doesn't really snow, sleet or hail in Florida, but what difference does it make because I am DONE!

Today is January 1st, 2014.  I am enjoying my first day of rest from running in a year.  I kind of don't know what to do with myself though.  I am planning on taking a break from all exercise for at least a week, but I will start doing some workouts next week, just not running.  I will take a 2 to 3 week break from that, depending on how my body feels.

So, how did my last run go?  Did I ignore my good advice and run fast or did I take it easy?  If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know the answer.  I always ignore good advice, especially my own.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 4.21 miles

Pace: 7:07/m

Max Pace: 5:47/m

Calories: 448

Avg HR: 162

Max HR: 174

Honey rolled with me on my last run as well.  It seemed only fitting that she bookend my year by at least accompanying me for my last run, even if she could not run herself.  She kept me motivated.  My pace of 7:07 was the fastest of the year!  My average HR was well into the anaerobic zone and my max even higher.  I think my max was probably higher than 174 because right after I finished, my watch said 130 which was impossible.  I ran the last .21 miles at a 6:21 pace, so my heart must have been racing.  I believe the battery in my HR monitor is going.  In either case, 174 is high enough.

It was hard, but not as hard as I expected.  My pace for each mile was 7:06, 7:11, 7:13, 7:07 & 6:21 for the last .21 miles.  I was fairly steady throughout the run which is what you want to do in a short race.  I found myself often going faster than 7:00 and I would slow down because I didn't want to burn out and I only need to beat 7:19.  I banked seconds each mile which I kept track of in case I needed the rest.  I didn't and I would say, if this was a race and I was properly prepared, that I could have gone a bit faster...just a bit.  My 5k time would be around 22:15, although I didn't keep track of it.  Also, if I was just running a 5k (3.1 miles) I could have run faster.  This is good to know when I start my normal training up again because I need to know how fast I should run my intervals.  I think 7:00 pace or slightly faster is a good place to start based on this time trial.  I am considering doing a 5k time trial to get an even better result and one that represents my ability once I am rested.

Ok, enough of that.  Let's take a look at the monthly/yearly numbers:

              Total Miles | Total Time
January          52.24    |    9:25:00
February         52.01    |    8:40:07
March            74.57    |   11:30:00
April            75.59    |   12:00:16 
May              79.51    |   12:31:00
June             82.35    |   12:40:19
July             92.09    |   15:01:00
August          100.52    |   16:15:00  
September        87.29    |   14:21:21 
October         102.79    |   15:45:00 
November        100.29    |   15:13:14
December        104.16    |   15:51:00
Total         1,003.41       159:13:17                  

Here is a week by week breakdown:

Steve's Total Miles Logged: 104.16
Partial Week 1: 6.58
Week 2: 22.79
Week 3: 24.21
Week 4: 23.55
Week 5: 22.82
Partial Week 6: 4.21

Total Running Time: 15:51:00

I logged the most miles of any month this month and I finished with just over 1,000 miles for the year!  I ran for 159+ hours!  That is a lot of time, not to mention the prep time and the showers and the resting.  This goal took a big chunk of my time, but I have no regrets (yet...I have a sinking suspicion that I will end up injured all year due to my exuberance this past year!) and I may even try this again at some point.  Maybe I will try to ride my bike every day or more likely, swim every day.  I would need a pool close by to do that.  Perhaps I will have my own pool one day.  I'd love to have an Endless Pool at my home.  If I had one of those, I would swim every day.

As I wrap up my final blog of the year, I want to thank everyone who encouraged or helped or read my blog or just put up with my daily run.  First, and foremost, I have to thank Honey, my loving wife.  The fact that she ran with me at all was a blessing.  I would never have been able to do it without her help.  I was saddened by her injury and mentally, it hurt in the last month to have to run alone.  I will of course encourage her to run in 2014!  Are you ready Honey!

I want to thank the rest of my family: Mom, Derek, Ayla, Kaylee, Joshua, Cinthia, Fabio (aka Fluffy) my training partners Mike and Daryll and all the people I waved to every day while I ran.  I would NOT like to thank the dogs that chased me though.  You are just lucky I am nice and I didn't kick you in the face!

Lastly, and very importantly, I want to thank you all who read my blog.  Whether you read one day or all 365 days, I was and continue to be thrilled to entertain you.  Not counting this blog, I had 7,881 views.  That comes out to 21.65 views per blog!  Not too bad.  Not enough to get my paid or get a job writing anything other than my grocery list, but still something I am proud of!

I will continue to blog throughout 2014, but it will most likely be a weekly blog.  I hope you come back and continue to read.  Until then....you know...

Run for Life!!

Excited about my last day of running

On your mark, get set....GO!!!

Day 364, 1 To Go

December 30, 2013

It's back to work for a couple of days before I get another day off on New Year's Day.  That's means that the real fun is tomorrow.  Not only is it my LAST day to run for the year, it is the day when you are expected to get rip, roaring drunk!  Since I won't need to run on Wednesday, I can handle a hangover.

Who am I kidding...I can't handle my alcohol.  I don't know what happened.  I used to be able to drink a little bit, but now, I just need to look at a beer and I end up with a headache the next day.  I think I am just out of practice.  Maybe I need to practice more next year.  That is a good New Year's Resolution: Get better at drinking!

I ran alone today since I was working a little late and it was too dark for Honey to Rollerblade.  I mean, she could have done it, but it might have been a little bit dangerous.  Come on Honey, live dangerously!!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.55 miles

Pace: 8:26/m

Max Pace: 7:05/m

Calories: 367

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 144

It was a little bit chilly today so I wore long pants and a shirt with long sleeves.  I felt pretty loose today too, so I ran a little faster today.  I know I could have gone quite a bit faster, but I didn't want to make my last day too hard.  I had planned on making my last day a really fast day, but I don't know if I will have it in me or not.  I think I will just run as fast as I feel.  If that means I run 10 min miles or 7 min miles, so be it!

My fastest pace so far this year was 7:19 back in April when I was only running 20 minutes a day.  I know I can beat that, but I don't know if I should!  I know if I try to run that fast I will hurt my hip more, my ankle more, and probably a few other things.  I don't want to take too much time off in the new year, so it may be more beneficial to my plans for next year if I take it easy.  I have a hard time doing that sometimes! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for my last blog of the year tomorrow along with my end of the month and end of the year numbers!  I want to thank all of you who have continued to read my blog throughout the entire year!  With your support and the support of my family, I am only 1 day away from reaching my goal!

Run for Life!!

Day 363, 2 To Go

December 29, 2013

Honey and I made a cake today.  My mother's cousin, Annita, was turning 90 and she asked for a small cake for her birthday.  We had planned to do something simple, but somehow, it turned into something more complex.  The worst part, we didn't take any pictures of the damn cake!  WHAT!  All that work and nothing to show for it.  It's not like we are going to be eating it, so not only do we not have anything to put on our website, www.cupncakesgourmet.com, we didn't even taste the damn thing!

So we spent almost the whole day doing that except for a little run during the afternoon.  Yes, Honey joined me on her Rollerblades today again.  That was a nice pick me up for the day.  I only have 2 days left and I needed the motivation!!  I am getting pretty excited that I am almost done.  My body is even more excited and it is begging me to stop!  Don't worry, body, only 2 more days and you'll get your rest.

Here are my numbers for today:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.35 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: 7:46/m

Calories: 348

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 147

Hey, I broke 9 min miles today.  It's been a slow month and it is nice to know I have not lost all my speed.  I know that rest is one of the most important parts of your training, and it allows you to heal and to get faster.  If that is true, in a month, I should be able to run a 4 min mile!  Ok, that is completely unrealistic, but a runner can dream, no?

I would actually rather run a 3:30 marathon than a 4 min mile.  Actually, I would like to qualify for Boston, but that would mean I need to run a 3:15 marathon!  Yikes!  That is a 7:26 pace.  I can do that for 30 minutes on a really good day.  I guess my strategy will be to keep running the pace I am running now until my 70s, then I can qualify!!

Ok, folks, it's time to sign off.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 362, 3 To Go

December 28, 2013

Only three days left!  As I get closer, I get more and more paranoid that I am going to get hurt.  Every time I step out of my room, I encounter a minefield of children's toys: balls, dolls, cars, and the worst...Legos!  One errant step on a Lego will not only cause intense pain, it will ruin my last three days!  If you don't believe me, go over a friend's house who has children and don't look where you are walking.  You'll eventually step on one and you will realize that the pain is worse than childbirth (not that I would know that personally, but I've heard...)

The problem with being paranoid is that you end up making what you are afraid of happen.  A self fulfilling prophecy, so to speak.  I just need to relax and try to enjoy the last few days.  I know I have been struggling lately, but since I am going to take a few weeks off, I will probably miss running, so I should enjoy it while it lasts.

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.16 miles

Pace: 9:28/m

Max Pace: 6:12/m

Calories: 316

Avg HR: 124

Max HR: 146

I am so slow this month.  I am on course to have my best month as far as miles is concerned, but I definitely won't have my fastest month.  Sometimes, though, long and slow is the way to go!  Don't believe me, ask you wife if she likes is fast and quick or long and slow!

Today was an early run and Honey actually Rollerbladed with me today! It was nice to have the company and it help stave off the boredom.  Hopefully she will come with me again tomorrow.

Run for Life!!

Day 361, 4 To Go

December 27, 2013

Today is like Monday and Friday, all rolled into one!  After two days off, I have to work, so that makes it feel like Monday.  It is also my last day of work this week, so it is like a Friday!  It is my Froday...or maybe my Mriday...maybe my Fonday?  Whatever it is, it sucks! HA!

No one is in the office today.  I must have gone at least 2 hours straight without receiving any new email.  That is unheard of.  So, I took it upon myself to catch up on performance reviews.  I had 10 to do and I finished 9!  I supposed I could have banged out that last one, but it was 5pm and I shut off my computer right away!  I am done!!

I ran right after work and here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.20 miles

Pace: 9:21/m

Max Pace: 8:06/m

Calories: 320

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 135

I am down to 4 days left!  That also means I only have 4 days left to solidify my New Year's Resolutions!  Here are some ideas that are banging around in my head:

1. Bike twice a week, even if it is on my trainer.  I will use Netflix and watch Breaking Bad for motivation
2. Run 4 to 5 times a week and work on getting faster and going longer
3. Swim somewhere.  I miss swimming
4. Work on strength and my core
5. Cook at least once a week with Honey.  We need new recipes and we can do it together
6. Eat veggies at least twice a day!
7. Stop drinking soda completely (or at least limit myself to no more than 2 cans a week)
8. Drop the holiday weight
9. Study and pass the test to get my PMP certification 
10. Become independently wealthy so I can quit my job
11. Participate in an Supermodel orgy

 What do you think?  I think they are all good goals.  Ok, the last two are stretch goals, but hey, a guy can dream! What are you resolutions!  Do you have any good ideas!  Comment and let me know.  I am always looking for inspiration!!

Run for Life!!

Day 360, 5 To Go

December 26, 2013

The day after Christmas is like the day after an all night drinking binge.  You have a hangover, but instead of your head hurting and you being dehydrated, your wallet hurts and your bank account as fertile as a desert.  I think I'd rather have a traditional hangover!!

Sure, it was fun and everyone was smiling, but just like after a night of serious drinking where you may have said things you shouldn't have and slept with someone you may regret in the future, you bought things you shouldn't have and you regret the bill that will come in 30 days. 

Nothing like running with a hangover...actually, I don't think I have ever done that.  I don't want to try, that's for sure.  I did run today, of course, and my hangover was of the fiscal variety, so it didn't affect my run.  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.02 miles

Pace: 9:55/m

Max Pace: 5:57/m

Calories: 287

Avg HR: 117

Max HR: 133

What can I say about today's run other than blah.  I am really feeling the strain mentally at this point.  I know I only have 5 more days, but it feels like 50!  How odd!  In the beginning, I couldn't wait to get out there every day.  After all the physical pain and mental difficulty, I am finally drained.  It kind of makes me feel like a loser...but just a bit.  I am proud of what I have achieved but on the other hand, I was reading an article in Runner's World magazine about a young lady who is basically a professional, at least on par with them, but still in school, and she tells about her first marathon.  Of course it was great.  She also toured the world as part of some exchange program where she got to meet with runners from all over the world.  At the end of the year, she said she had run over 3,000 miles.  It may have been 3,500, but I can't remember the number, the article, or her name.  My 1,000 miles seems puny and insignificant!

I read all the time about people who run every day and do 100 mile races, and they used to seem superhuman to me.  Now, I think they are SUPERHUMAN because I know how hard it is to just run 30 minutes a day!  They human body can be an impressive machine.  Some machines, like mine, are just lacking a few horsepower!

I don't know how I'll feel when I am done, but I hope I feel proud and energized for the new year.  I also hope I have encouraged at least one person to get out there and to try something they didn't think they could do.  I didn't think I would get this far.  I really didn't!  I figured I would fall apart halfway through the year.  I always knew I could handle it mentally, but physically...that was my challenge.  This is the first year I made it all the way through without a debilitating injury!  I hope next year is the same!

Run for Life!!

Day 359, 6 To Go

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!!  I'm going to make this nice and short as this is a day for family and celebration, not sitting at my desk writing a blog!!  I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and that you are able to spend this day with your family and friends.  It is a day for giving (ok, and receiving!!) and a day to share your love and for some of you, a day to worship your respective gods.  Whatever you are doing, just be happy and jolly and have fun!

Here are my numbers today:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.18 miles

Pace: 9:26/m

Max Pace: 8:27/m

Calories: 336

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 136

I was able to sneak out of the house for my 30 minute run and it is over with only 6 more days to go!  I'll leave you with a picture of what Santa brought our little ones this year:

Lots of fun things that everyone can play with.  I hope it keeps them busy throughout the day, because I need to rest after all that shopping and all of the "some assembly required!!"

Merry Christmas!

Run for Life!!

Day 358, 7 To Go

December 24, 2013

Its Christmas Eve!!!  Finally, after all the preparations, wrapping the presents, cooking the food, putting up the decorations, picking up the visiting family members, putting up with the Elf on the Shelf, threatening the children with no presents if they just don't start LISTENING, it is finally here.

Honey, as do most Brazilians, celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve.  Don't ask.  I have no idea why.  I think they are just less patient than other countries.  That's my reasoning, and I am sticking to it.  After dinner, which is at midnight, we open presents.  Except, apparently, when you have a lot of small children, then you eat earlier and open up presents earlier.  I think that is just an excuse so Honey can open up her presents earlier too.  I was tempted to make her wait until Midnight, but I didn't want to make Derek suffer.  Honey, I wanted to suffer, but not the kids!!

This is what Derek (and me and Honey, et al) had to look forward to...

But first, he had to wait until after dinner...

Vovo (grandma in Portuguese), me and Derek

I know, it isn't all that extravagant, but there were only 4 adults and 1 child (the babies don't eat much).  We also don't have a dining room table because our dining room is the playroom.  Also, dining room tables are expensive.  Sure, we could get a small, cheap one, but it wouldn't fit everyone.  So, we are waiting until the kids are a bit bigger and we can all sit at the big table.  Until then, we eat in the kitchen. 

I suppose we should take a look at the numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.36 miles

Pace: 8:55/m

Max Pace: 6:46/m

Calories: 342

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 150

I felt a little better today, but it was still a struggle to get out there.  I mean, it's Christmas Eve and I wanted to eat and open presents too!  I suppose I can highlight my gift haul...I got a new pair of Oakley Sunglasses (I lost my other ones) a bunch of new clothes, and my favorite gift, piano lessons!  Yeah! 

Honey was happy with her gifts too!  I got a gift for each of her 5 senses:

Smell: DKNY Golden Delicious perfume
Touch: Day at the Spa
Taste: Gift Certificate to Fogo de Chao restaurant
Sight: Gift Certificate to Ulta (makeup and beauty store)
Sound: Tickets to see the traveling Broadway Musical Once

I get to go to the last one and I probably will also benefit from the Taste gift too!  I'm looking forward to her gifts as much as mine!!

I hope you all had a great Christmas Eve.  Time to go to bed so we can wake up and see what Santa is bringing for the kids!  Good night to all, and to all a good night!!

Run for Life!!

Day 357, 8 To Go

December 23, 2013

I think it is safe to say that this is the worst Monday of the year.  First of all, so many people are out of the office today, so that causes me to have too much and too little work, all at the same time?  How is that possible, you ask?  Well, since most people are out of the office, I don't have anyone sending me normal day to day work or new work.  Yay!  On the other hand, when anything goes wrong, it gets sent to me because I am one of the only people left in the office!  Boooo!

You know what else makes this a horrible Monday?  Everyone is running around (in my house) happy and cheerful and signing Christmas songs and relaxing and getting excited, all while I sit, alone, in my office, working.  No one else works.  Just me.  Screw your holiday cheer!  DAMNNN YOUUUUUU!!!!

Ok, now that I got that out of my system, I can relax and count the seconds as they tick away until 5pm.  I have to work tomorrow too, and that might be worse, but one day at a time, right!

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.01 miles

Pace: 9:57/m

Max Pace: 7:18/m

Calories: 257

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 161

I felt like crap today.  I think half of it is in my head.  The problem is that it is hard to separate what I am actually feeling from what I think I am feeling.  That's why the placebo effect works so well.  I have the opposite of that, whatever that is.  I think it is hypochondria.  That's probably it.

I am not only burnt out from running this year, I am burnt out from working and from writing this blog, so, I am going to cut things short today.  The excitement is palpable in my house, and I think I want to try to latch onto that a bit before the day is through.  Later!

Run for Life!!

Day 356, 9 To Go

December 22, 2013

Hello Sunday.  Did you miss me and my long runs?  I missed you.  I miss my long runs too.  After yesterday's revelation about my iron deficiency, I now know why you and I have drifted apart.  I pledge to get healthy so we can once again be joined in the holy tradition of the Sunday Long Run!  Are you with me!

Today, I ran a little longer, but just 10 minutes, so it is kind of a pathetic attempt at running long.  I actually felt ok and I ran nice and easy, so I didn't feel tired afterwards.  I supposed I could have run longer, but it was not necessary as I just want to ensure that I hit 1,000 miles for the year and I am pretty confident that I will now do that.  I probably don't even need to run long next Sunday.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 40:00

Distance: 4.17 miles

Pace: 9:35/m

Max Pace: 7:43/m

Calories: 389

Avg HR: 121

Max HR: 130

The long run is essential to running training.  You don't even have to do it every weekend, just every other weekend at least.  LSD (no, not the drug, although that would certainly perk up your run...I'm talking about long slow distance) runs build up various functions in your body like it increases mitochondria development and capillary growth, both of which will increase your endurance.  They help your body convert fuel to energy and energy is what allows you to run for a long time.  LSD will also strengthen your tendons and ligaments and your bones over time so you can handle more distance.  The human body is a highly adaptable machine!

So, not only is my endurance affected by the low iron, it is affected by the lack of the long run.  A doubly whammy!  I knew this experiment would be hard and possibly take a toll on my body, I just hope that toll doesn't linger too far into next year.  That would be unfortunate.  Good thing I plan on running for the rest of my life, so I have plenty of miles to go, whether it is next year or in 2015!

Enjoy your long run if you went today.  I'm all done and ready to lounge the rest of the day.  Peace!

Run for Life!!

Day 355, 10 To Go

December 21, 2013

Here we are, the 2nd to last weekend of the year.  Christmas is in a few days and the end of the year is just over a week away.  What does all this mean to me?  It means that my journey is almost at an end!  For all of you faithful readers (and I am averaging about 22 views per post, so not too shabby!) I want to let you know that I will continue to blog next year.  I just won't be doing it every day!  I'm thinking a weekly blog dedicated to running, exercising in general, family, and general life, will have to continue.  Of course if you write me and tell me to go to hell and to please stop bothering us with your daily Google+ and Facebook posts, I will most certainly tell you to go fuck yourself, so don 't bother.

I just recently went to a doctor for a checkup.  It wasn't because I was feeling ill, although I can't say I am feeling 100%, but just because preventative medicine is the best way to prevent any problems from growing.  Well, I did get my results from my blood work back and it was mostly good.  No issues for someone my age except I apparently have a Vitamin D deficiency (I think most people have this deficiency since we don't get enough sunlight and I don't drink milk) and I also have an iron deficiency!  What!  I'm a male and that is very rare.  I looked it up and only about 3% of men ever get this.  Then I looked up endurance athletes and that number jumps to 30%!  So, I think I know my problem.

I'm running too damn much! I remember about halfway through the year I had some blood work done and my CBC (complete blood count) was fine.  Then, as you may recall, I mentioned that I was feeling a bit weak and tired around the time I was in Brazil and when I returned.  It was about that time that I decided to stop running long because I didn't think I could keep running as much as I was and run long on Sundays.  I think part of the problem was that Honey had stopped running with me due to her knee injury and I was running more than I had all year, by quite a bit.  You add up travel, too much running, and an increase in running and you have all the necessary ingredients for Overtraining Syndrome, which I felt I was getting.  Iron Deficiency is a physical sing that I was right.

So now what?  Well, I will be taking an iron supplement and come January, I will be taking a break and running less.  I will not stop, but I will build up my mileage slowly.  As soon as I start to feel better, I can pick it up even more.  I do hope I don't need to be on these supplements for long because I don't like the way they make me feel!!

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.25 miles

Pace: 9:14/m

Max Pace: 7:35/m

Calories: 327

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 141

Another day in the books and only 10 to go!  The end of the year can't come soon enough!!

Run for Life!!

Day 354, 11 To Go

December 20, 2013

 Thank Santa, it is finally Friday!  I can't take another day of work this week, so its a good thing I don't have to work on Saturday.  I actually have enough work to do to take me deep into the weekend, but I'm fried, so I will stop thinking about work right....now!

I have a Christmas party to go to on Saturday, but that's it.  Honey and I spent all our money on Christmas gifts, so we won't be going out tonight.  I really want to go see American Hustle, but I will just have to wait until after Christmas!

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.16 miles

Pace: 9:30/m

Max Pace: 8:21/m

Calories: 318

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 135

11 days to go!  I hope I am able to get some good runs in, because I need a good one.  I feel like it has been a while.  Perhaps I can run in the Grand Canyon?  That would be nice.  Take a look at what that would look like...

Grand Canyon, Arizona

 I'm pretty sure this picture doesn't do the Grand Canyon justice.  I mean, it is a GRAND Canyon, for goodness sake!  It does sort of look like a desert, which I don't find aesthetically pleasing, but based on other pictures I have seen, I would surely love to visit and run/hike the whole damn thing!

Vancouver, B.C.

Here we are going outside the US once again.  This time we are going to Canada and a nice coastal town.  Ok, I'll bite.  Looks like an interesting place to run.

Baja California Sur, Mexico

Again we leave the country, but this time, we go South down to Mexico!  Farmland, Cati and whales are part of the scenery down here.  I'm ready to book my flight!!

Well, I am running out of cool places to show you, but that doesn't mean there aren't hundreds of other places for you to explore on your own.  I suggest you start with your own backyard and go for a short run!  Get started!!

Run for Life!!

Day 353, 12 To Go

December 19, 2013

The final countdown has begun.  Only 6 days until Christmas.  Really, it is 5 days because Honey has a tradition (as do most of Brazil) to celebrate on Christmas Eve and to open the presents at Midnight.  If you think about it, though, you can't really count Saturday and Sunday.  That's the weekend and since I am not working, I can relax and the days will just fly by.  That makes it only 3 days left.  If we take it a bit further, we can even discount Christmas Eve.  That's the day we will be opening the presents, so it doesn't really count.  We will probably open up a present or two early, so that completely invalidates that day.  Now we are down to just 2 days.  Christmas is in just 2 days!!

I have been thinking, when will I run on Christmas?  It's one of those days you really don't want to do anything but spend it with your family.  Going out for a run will be a bit of a chore.  I can always run really early before Derek wakes up, but I may be up late putting some toys together, so that might not work.  One way or another I'll get out there.

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.26 miles

Pace: 9:12/m

Max Pace: 8:07/m

Calories: 348

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 136

Blah, blah, blah, blahblahblah blah, blahblah blah.  Right!!

Onto another installment of some Rave runs to entice you to travel and see the world.  Get out there and run everywhere!!

Roseberry, Idaho

 Idaho?  Really?  I think I'll pass.  I'm not much of a small town guy.  I was born in NYC and I have always lived in urban or suburban locales.  This might be a nice place for a 5k, but that is about all I can imagine.

Gran Canaria Island, Spain

Look at that sunset!  This is an island in Spain!  Can't beat that.  I want to go!!  Honey, pack your bags!  Let's tie up the kids, lock them in a closet, throw some food in a bowl, and let's go!

Griswold, Connecticut

I lived in  CT for a few years, and I never heard of this place.  It is North of Mystic which was a good hour drive from where I was, so that is probably why.  It looks like a nice run through Sunflower fields.

That's all folks.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 352, 13 To Go

December 18, 2013

This week is flying by, and there is only one more week until Christmas.  Even more exciting is that I only have 13 more days and I can rest my aching body!  My biggest pain, now that I am almost done, is my left hip.  I think it is just tendon pain, but I supposed it could be some type of bursitis.  That worries me a bit since bursitis can become serious because the bursa, which gets inflamed, can actually get infected.  I don't think I have a serious case, even if it is that, so I'm not too worried.  I also think, based on where the pain is, that it is just tendon pain.  In either case, I'll have a couple of weeks off (or three) to recover.

For now I am just pushing through, just like I have all year.  I have battled all sorts of nagging injuries and I am still standing.  I actually think that running every day has strengthened me.  Many of these injuries would have sidelined me in the past, but this year, I just battled through them.  I don't know if this will serve me well in the future as I may be more inclined to push through any pain when I should, maybe, be stopping.  I do know it has made me more mentally strong, and that is one of the most important aspects of endurance training of any kind.  It is one of the most important aspects of any sport.

It has also made me a better writer, I think.  I am no Shakespeare or Mark Twain, and I probably never will be, but the fact that I have spent a year writing almost every day has helped me along in my development as a writer.  This is one of the unexpected benefits of my year of running.

Let's take a look at today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.36 miles

Pace: 8:56/m

Max Pace: 7:55/m

Calories: 336

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 134

Just another day out there.  Nothing more to report.  Let's take a look at a few more Rave runs that you can plan on doing at some point in your life.

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

 Yes, this is very pretty.  No, you will probably never see me running out here.  I might do it in warmer weather, but I have no desire to run in the snow.  I would cross country ski or snow shoe here, but not run.  If you are a winter person, then this is the place for you!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The mountains in the background are nice, but again, I'm not a fan of running in the desert either!  I would choose this over the winter wonderland above, but I think I would pass on this one too.  Let's take a look at the last one for the day.

Telluride, Colorado

We are back in Colorado for this run, and it looks a little more up my alley.  This run has a 2,600 foot descent which would be tough, but you can always walk down part of it.

That's it for today folks.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 351, 14 To Go

December 17, 2013

Oh yeah!  One week until Christmas Eve and only 14 runs to go!  Yayyyyyy!  I think I am happier about the 14 runs than the arrival of Christmas.  However, as much as I may or may not be looking forward to Christmas, Honey makes up for any lacking of excitement on my part.  She has already begun the begging to open some of her presents early.  I offered a deal where she would perform certain wifely functions for the honor of opening up one of her presents early.  I believe she may be considering it.  Christmas may come early for me!

Now that I have thoroughly embarrassed Honey, I can get to the fun part of my blog.  I am going to give you a few more rave runs (yes, I am stealing these runs from Runner's World which shows a new rave run every month in their magazine) to enjoy.  You know what, let's look at my numbers first:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.34 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: 7:31/m

Calories: 326

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 135

Not much to talk about on this run.  I am going through the motions at this point.  That's not to say that I am not paying attention to my form or my cadence or any of the other important things to think about when I run, I am just kind of getting through it any way I can.  Ok, let's take a look at something beautiful!

Livingston, Montana

 This run will take you to 5,600 feet above sea level, so you had better take it easy or you'll pass out from oxygen deprivation!  No worries though, because when you wake up, you'll be greeted by scenic views of wildflowers and mountains!

Patagonia Region, Chile

We take our first trip outside the US to Chile!  Look at those mountains in the distance.  The thing that has always struck me when I go outside the country is that not only are the people and language foreign, but the landscape is too.  That is a good thing.  Variety is the spice of life!!

Santa Barbara, California

This run takes you through the University of California and along the coastline.  You'll be greeted by beautiful views and beautiful coeds all at the same time!

That's all for today.  Happy Holidays everyone!

Run for Life!!

Day 350, 15 To Go

December 16, 2013

15 days left!  I am dying here folks.  Every run is hard.  I mean, I know I am going to do it, but every day I have to drag myself out there.  I have finally hit my limit!  And that limit is 350 fucking days in a row!  So, to cheer myself up, I am going to go back to something I did a few months ago and show you some pictures of great places to run.  What do you think?

Ok, so the first one I want to show you is in California.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, California

I always love running by the ocean.  I can practically smell the ocean air right now.

The next one is actually in Florida.  I have had enough of running in Florida, but this place looks nice.

Tate's Hell State Forest, Florida

It's not the most beautiful forest I have ever seen, but I do like running off road if I can find a good place to run.

The next one is in Nevada, so you know it is going to be picturesque...

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

That is just ridiculously beautiful.  Look at that path!  I suppose it is dangerous if you pay too much attention to the scenery...you may end up falling off the cliff!  I would love to take my chances though.

Ok, that's good for today.  I am almost cheered up.  Let's take a look at my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.41 miles

Pace: 8:48/m

Max Pace: 5:57/m

Calories: 355

Avg HR: 131

Max HR: 143

That max pace is actually legitimate today.  I ran fast for the past minute of the run just to open it up a bit, but it wasn't too long to cause any discomfort.  I hope, at least.  Will see tomorrow!  Ok folks, I'm out of here until tomorrow.  Later!

Run for Life!!

Day 349, 16 To Go

December 15, 2013

Happy Sunday everyone.  There are only a couple of Sunday's left in the year!  How exciting!  I am going to have to utilize my Sunday runs to go a little longer than I have been to make sure I hit my goal of 1,000 miles for the year.  So, in that spirit, I ran a little longer today.  I also finally did my Christmas shopping! 

I am pretty sure I spent too much money on Honey, although I don't think she will agree.  I hope she doesn't think I spent too little because if she does, I'll just take all the presents right back to the store!!  This year, I went with a theme: The senses!  I got presents that appeal to the five senses: smell, hearing, sight, touch and taste.  This necessitated that I buy at least 5 presents, which is probably why I ended up spending more than I should have.  Its not like we need to eat, right?

I also used Sunday to wrap all my presents.  Honey did as well and now our Christmas tree looks awesome! Take a look!

Merry Christmas!!

Don't let the picture fool you, that is one happy boy.  He just can't quite get the smiling for the camera thing down just yet!

Here are my Sunday numbers:

Time: 41:00

Distance: 4.19 miles

Pace: 9:48/m

Max Pace: 7:31/m

Calories: 413

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 135

I had intended to run 45 minutes, but I was just kind of tired, so I stopped at 41.  I was back home already and I couldn't get myself to turn around and run another 4 minutes.  Yeah, it is at that point when 4 minutes more is just too much!!  16 days to go!!

Run for Life!!

Day 348, 17 To Go

December 14, 2013

Last night, after the run, Honey and I went to see little Derek's first class performance.  It was a Winter Wonderland theme and he and his classmates sang a cute little puppy song.  He did a fine job and he looked adorable in his puppy outfit.  Take a look...

Derek Puppy

Isn't he cute!?  I thought so.  All the kids were cute!

After the show, Honey and I went to go see the 2nd Hobbit movie.  Honey liked the first one, but she did not like this one.  This one had significantly more action and the movie moved along much faster.  Overall, I liked it, but I don't think either of the Hobbit movies can hold a candle to the Lord of the Rings movies.

Today, which is Saturday, we did nothing.  Well, I did run, but other than that, I spent most of the day just playing with the kids.  Nothing special happened.  I have nothing to report.  Yeah, my life can be pretty boring at times!

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.06 miles

Pace: 9:48/m

Max Pace: 8:41/m

Calories: 318

Avg HR: 124

Max HR: 131

Not much of an improvement over yesterday.  I figure I'll feel a little stiff for a couple more days.  I think, now, the plan is to take it easy for the rest of the year and then maybe...maybe, go all out on the last run of the year!  It is hard to say I will definitely do that because I never know how I will feel, but I would like to end the year with a bang!!

Run for Life!!

Day 347, 18 To Go

December 13, 2013

Being that it is Friday the 13th, I hope that none of my readers were slain by a homicidal, unkillable, ambling man in a hockey mask.  Surely, I am jesting, but many people get nervous on this date.  I don't know the origin of the fear of the number 13, but I can tell you without humor, that it is decidedly moronic.  Seriously.  Tall buildings are often built "without" the 13th floor.  Don't believe me?  Take a look at the floor numbers in an elevator the next time you are in one (assuming the building has at least 13 floors.)  Is the act of labeling your 13th floor as a 14 in the elevator actually make it NOT the 13th floor????

I didn't think so.  So the next time you get nervous about going out on Friday the 13th or doing anything that involves the number 13, you can relax.  You'll be fine!

My run on Friday the 13th was a bit of a horror show.  As I expected, I was a bit sore today.  My aging hip had a lot to say to me today.  It was not happy with me and it pleaded with me to take a break.  Instead, I stretched the shit out of it until it shut up, or at least simmered down a bit.  Let's take a look at my numbers, shall we:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.00 miles

Pace: 9:59/m

Max Pace: 8:03/m

Calories: 317

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 136

So it isn't all that bad, but I had to push myself at the end of the run to make 3 miles.  It was fairly painful and I am glad it is over.  I don't expect tomorrow will be much better either.  I'll just keep on looking at that dwindling number at the top of my blog (18 to Go) and use that as my motivation to keep going, because I gotta tell ya...I'm beat!

Run for Life!!

Day 346, 19 To Go

December 12, 2013

This week is going by kind of fast.  Sure, I'm working my butt off, but that does have the affect of making it feel like I am speeding through my week.  So, of course, after a hard week of work, and a speedy week at that, I felt it was time to speed through my run!!

I actually didn't plan it, I was just running and I felt good so I decided to push it a bit.  I know I will pay for it for about a week in slow, painful runs, but I was sick of running slow!

Let's get the numbers out of the way so I can get back to the fun gift ideas!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.86 miles

Pace: 7:46/m

Max Pace: 5:47/m

Calories: 395

Avg HR: 142

Max HR: 168

Yeah, that was hard.  I like hard runs.  If I was going to have a day off to recuperate, I'd like it even more.  Tomorrow I will regret it.  My left hip seems to get really tight after these hard runs.  I think I need a break.

Let's break for Christmas!  Take a look at some more gift ideas!!

MIO Alpha Heart Rate Monitor Watch

This is not just your run of the mill HR monitor.  This one is unique in that you don't need a chest strap, and they claim it is as accurate as a HR monitor with a strap.  I don't know if they are telling the truth, but it seems worth a try.  Check it out at the Mio site.

This next one is kind of ordinary, but still a good idea.

Headsweats Ironman Supervisor

Yes, it is just a hat, but since it is actually a visor, it is better at keeping you cool while still blocking the extra sunlight!  You can find these at www.Headsweats.com

Last but not least we have this...

TYR Elite Transition Backpack

 This is no ordinary backpack.  It is compartmentalized to optimize your storage if you are a triathlete.  Who doesn't love a backpack with lots of pockets!!  Find this one here!

Ok folks, that's all I have for today.  Have a good night!!

Run for Life!!